Neil Wagner’s retirement was forced? Ross Taylor makes big revelation on Kiwi pacer and team amidst Test series against Australia

Former New Zealand star batter Ross Taylor has implied that fast bowler Neil Wagner's retirement may have been compelled, indicating potential discord within the Kiwi camp.

Wagner informed that he wouldn't feature in the playing XI for the series against Australia and declared his retirement during an emotional press conference before the first Test commenced.

Despite his retirement announcement, the 37-year-old Wagner did make appearances on the field during the first Test as a substitute fielder and occasionally served as a drinks carrier.

It's a forced retirement: Taylor

"I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There's no sugarcoating it. I think it's a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner's press conference, he was retiring, but it was after this last Test match. So he did make himself available," Taylor said while speaking on ESPN's Around the Wicket podcast.

 

"And to see that he isn't selected … I think I do like and you do need to plan for the future, but a one-off Test against Australia in a must-win situation, I wouldn't be looking much further than Neil Wagner. And I'm sure the Australian batters are sleeping easy that he’s not in the side," Taylor added.

 

ALSO READ: Hafeez, Misbah and Azhar criticise Azam Khan for 'not maintaining his weight and gaining more' despite electrifying cameo against Peshawar Zalmi

 

Wagner announces his retirement

 

Last week, Wagner announced the end of his 64-Test career, concluding as the country's fifth-highest wicket-taker with 260 victims.

 

Although Wagner was included in the squad for the two home Tests against Pat Cummins's Australia, head coach Gary Stead informed him that he would not participate in either match.

 

He struggled to hold back tears as he announced his retirement from international cricket alongside Stead.

 

Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Wagner relocated to New Zealand in 2008 and played a crucial role in his adopted country's ascent to the top of the world rankings, culminating in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title victory in 2021.

 

(Powered by AI, Inputs by PTI)

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

PCB refuses to bear Haris Rauf's injury expenses after Lahore Qalandars’ owner slammed Pakistan's cricket board

Islamabad United's Colin Munro wins hearts as he hugs ballboy for sensational catch outside the boundary; watch video

R Ashwin reveals turning point of his career ahead of 5th Test against England, says 'There were talks of me getting dropped..'

Surprise awaits India and England in 5th Test as Dharamsala pitch set to offer big help to this team in dead rubber